This document provides guidance on laboratory procedures for field epidemiologists, including specimen collection, transport, storage, and biosafety. It discusses the appropriate collection, handling, and transportation methods for different specimen types like blood, stool, respiratory samples and others. Key steps in successful laboratory investigations are advance planning, collection of adequate specimens, proper documentation, safety, packaging, rapid transport, and communication of results. Precautions like personal protective equipment, disinfection, and proper waste disposal are emphasized to protect patients, field workers and the environment.